Projecting the Playoffs, The Case for Kotchman

With just 20 games left and a 4 1/2 game lead in the Wild Card, what exactly are the chances for our beloved Sox to play in October? Baseball Prospectus seems to think they're pretty high, but Texas has life yet.

And who, exactly, is the Red Sox' most unappreciated player. Surely, it couldn't be Casey Kotchman. Though he doesn't always see the field, he provides stability at a key position on the diamond, while simultaneously solidifying the team's outlook at ... catcher?

Projecting the Playoffs

With just 20 games remaining in the regular season, the Sox' Hunt for Red October is getting stronger by the day. At this juncture, with this team, a 4 ½ game lead in the Wild Card is a considerable advantage. Don't get cozy though, as one hot or cold stretch can completely change the complexion of this race. Still, it's looking pretty good for the Sox, as Baseball Prospectus gives the Red Sox...

Fireside Chats #59: Where we write off the Rays, the hopes of the division, and Jonathan Papelbon’s long term future in Boston

The Red Sox got the two out of three wins in Tampa that we talked about last episode, and proceeded to meet doom in Chicago at the hands of "the Revenge of Kotsay". Net/net, the Rangers are still in the wild card hunt and aren't going anywhere. Paul and I break down the Red Sox castoffs and in season additions and give Theo and team a positive in season grade with this team built for the post-season (should they get there). All that just primes us for the big finish, where Paul nearly convinces me that trading Jonathan Papelbon in the offseason is the right thing for the franchise in a "Seymour-esque" way.

All that and more on Episode #59 of Fireside Chats on MVN!

Byrds, Laundry Lists, and the Sox’ Week Ahead

With a familiar face back in the fifth starter's spot, everyone is asking, what does Paul Byrd have left in the tank? Is the 38 year old up to the task, or will his middling stuff finally catch up with him?

Wakefield gets a shot...

Penny lands on the West Coast...

Boston prepares for Tampa...

The Byrd, news, analysis, and more inside...

Fireside Chats #58: Where we prepare for a statement series in Tampa Bay

The Red Sox have put a nice run together and now stare down a series that we all circled as an important one back in April. They have the rare opportunity in sports to go for the kill. The question before us however, is do they have the killer instinct?

All that and more on Episode #57 of Fireside Chats on MVN!

Brad Penny Released

The Red Sox released veteran starter Brad Penny late Wednesday night. While there may be some cheers in Red Sox Nation today, we can all collectively say good bye to that Boston rotation depth.

Another poor decision by the Red Sox front office. Let's just hope that Buchholz and Tazawa can pick up the slack.

Analysis inside...

News, Notes, Series Preview

The Sox host Toronto for a three game set beginning Friday. Boston will send Beckett and Buchholz to the mound for the first two matches, with the Sunday headliner featuring Lester versus Halladay.

Buckle your seat belts. It's going to be a wild ride. Series preview, news, and notes inside...

Fireside Chats #57: Where we dip into the Mad Dog for a little relief

Sorry for the lack of shows recently, a vacation followed by a week with a fever eerily similar to Jason Varitek's batting average knocked me out of commission. But we are back and ready for the stretch run! We talk playoff chances, hurdles in the Red Sox way of making it there, key players that need to step up on the way home and more. And we welcome, for the first time, a very special guest long known for his ability to scream into a "Mike" and talk sports...."Mad Dog" (our very own version at least).

All that and more on Episode #57 of Fireside Chats on MVN!

Billy Wagner Added to Bullpen

The Red Sox traded for Billy Wagner today for two players to be named later, reports ESPN.

Is he the same pitcher as he was in 2007 or have injuries taken their toll...

Remy Returns, Clay Stumbles, Sox Win – All is Forgiven

The Sox take the first game of the series against the White Sox, 12-8, on the strength of a 6 run third inning. Clay Buchholz struggled with his command, being chased in the fifth inning.

And Firebrand would like to welcome Jerry Remy back to the booth. It's a little belated, but hey, someone had to do it...

Daisuke Rehabbing

While the Sox fight for their playoff lives, Daisuke Matsuzaka progresses further along in his rehab. With a side session scheduled for Friday, Dice could be back in early September.

Which begs the question, what pitcher will be returning to the mound? The Daisuke of 2008 or the Daisuke of 2009...